The river is visited by canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts - both for its white water rapids and its views.

In 2009, based on subsidized power-generation rates in the Ontario Green Energy Act's Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) program, there were plans to build a 5.3 MW hydro-electric generating station at Big Eddy Rapids, about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) upstream from the river's mouth.

The project involved building a concrete and boulder weir that would direct a portion of the water to a new 300 metres (980 ft) long intake channel and powerhouse, as well as a fish ladder.

It was scheduled to be operational by 2015, but the project raised opposition from the local communities, paddlers, and environmental groups.

[5] Part of the Petawawa River lies in the Ottawa-Bonnechere Graben, a 175 million year old rift valley.